Garlic Parmesan Chicken Broccoli Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy garlic sauce, and parmesan cheese, perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets Ensure broccoli is fresh for best flavor.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa Can substitute with cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for a healthier option.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Reserve half for topping.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing garlic.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Add for a bit of heat.
- cooking spray or additional olive oil for greasing To prevent sticking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a medium pot, bring water to a boil, add broccoli florets, and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Mixing
- In a bowl, mix together heavy cream, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, cooked rice or quinoa, and sautéed garlic, then stir in the cream sauce until well coated.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are slightly golden.
Serving
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole can be made a day in advance. If the top isn’t browned to your liking, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.